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C
hardonnay is unquestionably one of the
finest - if not the finest - white wine grape
in the world. That being said, not every
Chardonnay is 'great' and there are sadly a
number of bland or poorly made versions out
there, but the best Chardonnays are truly
sublime. Chardonnay is both outstanding in the
production of still wines, and is also the
basis of many fine Champagnes and other
sparkling wines around the
world.
The
History of Chardonnay
Chardonnay has a long and
storied history in the Burgundy region of
France, although it's unclear if it may have
originated even further back in an area such as
the Balkans. Chardonnay vines show some
similarity to the Pinot family of grapes and
recent DNA studies have shown that Chardonnay
was created through a hybrid of Pinot and a
lesser known grape.
Qualities of
the Chardonnay Grape
Green-skinned and
delicate, with skins that bruise or tear
easily, Chardonnay vineyards are generally
low-producing. When planted under the best
conditions, this grape can have attractive
fruit flavors, but when grown with less care it
tends to be neutral and bland. Generally,
cooler climates are more favorable for
preserving these fruit characteristics and
maintaining a balance of nice
acidity.
Chardonnay Wine
Characteristics
Body: full
Acidity: light to
medium
Flavors: fruitier
styles will show green apple and pear notes,
while richer styles will display more notes of
butter, cream, toast or
vanilla
Regions Where Chardonnay
is Grown
- In France, the most
significant plantings are in Burgundy and
Champagne with minor plantings
in Languedoc, Alsace and the Loire
Valley
- Throughout California in the U.S.,
including Napa Valley, Sonoma County
and Mendocino County, as well as in
Washington and New York states
- Australia's New South Wales region
- New Zealand's east coast
Chardonnay Fast
Facts
- Bottled
by regional name in France (Burgundy,
Champagne, others)
- Bottled by varietal name in the U.S. and
other New World
countries
- Famous Producers: Joseph Drouhin, Bouchard
Père & Fils, Chateau Montelena Winery,
Kistler
- Generally best drunk young for its vibrant
fruity character, although some more
exceptional wines can be aged 10 years or
more
Chardonnay Wine
& Food Pairing
- Pairs excellently with
creamy cheeses and sauces, crab and
chicken-
Easy Food and Wine pairings with Zinfandel:
Crab
Cakes with Fresh Herbs & Spicy
Aioli
Chicken Breast with Mediterranean
Stuffing
Lobster
Macaroni &
Cheese
Here are some of our
favorites:
2006 Estancia
Chardonnay, Pinnacles Ranch
Fresh
and zesty, with a little touch of cream on the
finish. Not overly complex, but very
tasty.
($10.99)
2006
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
Bright
and vibrant, with green apple and pear flavors,
and the hint of a spicy touch of oak.
($40)
2007 Sonoma Cutrer, Russian
River Ranches
Classic and
minerally, this is an ode to Burgundy, married
with bright California fruit
flavors. ($23)
2007 Joseph Drouhin,
Mâcon-Villages
Creamy
and delicate at the same time, with
mouthwatering pear and apple
flavors. ($10)
Next
Variety:
Chenin Blanc Wine Grape
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